Lapierre has been creating mountain bikes for nearly 25
years, constantly improving performance to make riding
more fun and enjoyable. We could have settled for doing
what many others do, and produce functional, decentlooking bikes that would satisfy a lot of riders. But at
Lapierre, we’ve always tried to take it a step further
and reinvent how you ride and, more importantly, how
you enjoy it. R&D has always played a key role, with
priority being given to tests with Nicolas Vouilloz, our
expert technology consultant. Our numerous patents,
such as FPS, OST and now Pendbox, prove that we’re
on the right track and that our hard work is paying off.
Our bikes offer innovative suspension designs with a
unique flavor that riders have come to expect and love:
an added touch of soul that proves itself first on the
international race circuit and then on the local trails.
This constant quest for excellence includes keeping
our design and production headquarters in France,
a sign of quality and distinction. The 2012 mountain
bike collection marks yet another great step forward
for Lapierre. To start with, we’ve adapted our patented
Pendbox technology, introduced last year on the DH
model, to an all-new trail bike guaranteed to impress:
the X-Flow. After three successful years, the Zesty
and Spicy both get new frames with improved OST
suspension technology for even better performance
(yes, it’s possible). The legendary X-Control, now
available for all budgets, will seduce even more riders,
and our new hardtail Sport collection, named “Raid”,
puts Lapierre know-how within reach of an even greater
number of cyclists. Regardless of your ambitions, you’ll
certainly find the bike you’re looking for to blaze your
own trail to riding bliss.

Faster, farther, longer, stronger! When you hit the 50 km mark
and the trail gets rough, it’s your mentality and your machine
that make the difference. Versatile, durable, and introducing
a new level of performance, Lapierre invents the ultimate
mountain bike.

Rear suspension reinvented?
Launched in 2010 on the DH model, Lapierre’s new Pendbox technology is considered by many as a
revolutionary rear suspension design. Proof positive, Sam Blenkinsop won the qualifying round and
ended up on the podium the first time he used it on the World Cup race circuit. That’s efficiency!

New for 2012 :
Pendbox for DH models and the all-new X-Flow
With amazing pedaling capabilities, the Pendbox system was destined to be adapted to less travel
for XC trail riding: a new challenge for Lapierre engineers, who started working on the X-Flow
project two years ago.
Totally isolate pedaling efficiency and shock absorption for improved performance
How do you combine the extreme efficiency of our FPS and OST suspension platforms and optimize
shock absorption, without compromising either function, yet still achieve improved performance?
Thanks to the floating, or “pendulum” bottom bracket (hence PendBox), the bottom bracket moves
5mm forward when the suspension is activated. By isolating and dissociating pedaling efficiency
and shock absorption, the new Pendbox suspension optimizes each one and eliminates pedal bob.
Everything functions in total harmony, but independently, without any interference.

Less compromise,
more pedaling power:
X-Flow, your new best
friend for off road riding
Pendbox allows for more freedom around the
bottom bracket and more freedom for shock
absorption. The results can be felt from the first
pedal stroke:
-Better shock performance
via a more progressive suspension
-Better pedaling efficiency: no pedal bob
-A more stable ride
-Sag set-up made even easier
-More simple, compact
and lightweight than FPS2

Result: the X-Flow 120 mm
distinguishes itself with its
optimized performance and
amazing versatility, feeling right
at home on even the roughest of
trails. A responsive mountain bike
that will appeal to casual
and demanding riders alike.”

After dominating the cross country
segment with the X-Control for the last
10 years, Lapierre is again revolutionizing
the MTB world by adapting patented
Pendbox technology to cross country
trail riding. The new X-Flow will amaze
you with its pedaling efficiency, thanks
to Pendbox technology, which allows
independent development of the shock
absorption and pedaling functions (see
pages 8 and 9). With 120 mm of comfort
and performance, the X-Flow is versatile
and functional at the same time! Using

an exclusive Lapierre design, both
the carbon and alloy versions of the
frame are lightweight and clean with
hydroformed tubes and internal cable
routing. The 6 X-Flow models use
specifically developed and tuned FOX
suspension, exclusive to Lapierre.
The new benchmark for full-suspension
XC trail bikes?

When mountain bikes are ridden as intended –for mountain
biking – they need to be versatile: rip technical trails in total
confidence, challenge that next big drop, fly up …and down,
the steepest, gnarliest runs and guide you to victory on your
next Enduro. With the versatile All Mountain bikes from
Lapierre, equipped with OST+® technology, you’ll be at ease on
any kind of mountain trail.

-New geometry. New suspension design. New leverage ratio curve
-Shorter chainstays and more dynamic pedaling
-Slacker headtube angle and lower bottom bracket for better handling, more responsiveness, and even more thrills!

Launched in 2008, OST® technology (Optimized Suspension Technology) is maybe one of the first intelligent
suspension designs dedicated to longer travel bikes (All Mountain, Enduro and Freeride). This patented technology
paved the way for our Zesty, Spicy and Froggy models, and now it’s gotten even better. Using Nicolas Vouilloz and
his enduro race experience as a gauge, our engineers have been working over the last year to improve a system
that was already close to perfect…but then again, that’s what Nico does best: achieve excellence. The new OST+®
has improved downhill handling and offers even greater efficiency in the climbs.

Virtual pivot point that eliminates pedal feedback
The patented OST+® suspension design is still based around a virtual pivot point that combats pedal bob.
The equilibrium point considers rider weight, and each pedal stroke brings the rear swing arm back to that
equilibrium point, thereby eliminating any pedal bob.
How does it work?
Any potential pedal feedback is countered by a pedal stroke: the tension created in the chain brings the swing arm
back to its equilibrium point.
With correct rear shock set-up (simple to do, thanks to the user-friendly sag guide), you’ll get an optimized ride
with excellent grip.
OST+® simplifies the frame structure, creating a lightweight frame with 140-160mm of travel.
Result: extremely versatile mountain bikes that are efficient and lightweight. OST+® will take you up,
down and everywhere in between.

With one of the best versatility/weight/efficiency
ratios on the market, the Zesty all-mountain bike from
Lapierre will take you to new heights. With a new frame
available in carbon or alloy, integrated cable routing,
and OST+® 140mm suspension technology, you’ll go
up and down faster than you thought possible. From
intense trail riding through your introduction to Enduro
racing, you can do almost anything with your Zesty.
The 2012 model is lighter, but more importantly, offers
greater comfort and responsiveness. The mountains
never felt so good.

Used last season by Nicolas Vouilloz for the Enduro Series and the Megavalanche, the
Spicy gets a totally new frame for 2012 using OST+ technology (160mm). The new full
carbon frame is 400 g lighter, making it one of the lightest of its kind. With carefully
selected components, you’re guaranteed high-speed responsiveness regardless of
what lies in your way. Three models with the new carbon or alloy frame, internal cable
routing and race-ready “Enduro” style components…
Fast, dynamic and radical. This is Nico’s bike!

Lapierre riders take off with Pendbox
With Nicolas Vouilloz as a mentor and Pendbox technology as
a motor, riders from Team Lapierre International are climbing
the rankings as quickly as they’re getting to the bottom of their
runs. At just 22, New Zealand rider Sam Blenkinsop finished 3rd
place in the overall of the 2010 World Cup, and the young and
talented Sam Flockhart finished the season with a Junior European
championship title. This year they’re joined by Cameron Cole (2nd
place at Fort William in 2010) and Loïc Bruni, already a French
national champion and hand-picked by Nicolas Vouilloz: think
we’ve seen him hanging around the race paddocks this year!
Take flight ! When Pierre-Edouard Ferry (PEF) puts on a freeride,
slopestyle or dirt jump show, it’s with a Froggy or a Rapt. French
style meets…French style.

If you’re looking for a crazy French bike, look no further
than our aptly named Froggy. The 2012 models have
been revamped with a more aggressive geometry
allowing you to pump harder in the bike park or
even on the DH racetrack. Built around a compact,
alloy frame with oversized seatstays and a tapered
headtube, this bike is just waiting to charge! With
patented OST 180 mm suspension technology, the
Froggy is available in three complete bikes and one
frame kit, for all budgets.

Successfully introduced in 2010, Pierre-Edouard Ferry’s
(aka PEF) bike of choice is already notorious in the
street and dirt jump community. The four Rapt models give
you an range of action limited only to your imagination and
the laws of gravity.
Available with a derailleur or in single speed, the Rapt
has clean lines, a sturdy frame, and reliable components.
Four models (one dedicated purely to street riding) for all
desires and budgets.

The fountain of youth
The young and talented Alexis Vuillermoz (2010 U23 French
Champion and winner of the French Cup) now has someone
to climb the international rankings with. Pauline FerrandPrevot, rising star on the international racing scene, is only
19 years old but already a woman of many talents. Junior
World Champion in both MTB and Road Racing in 2010,
Pauline also proves that the word “off-season” doesn’t exist
in her world, with a 2nd place finish at the Cyclocross World
Championships! Thomas Lapeyrie, 21 years old and a regular
on French race podiums, completes the young trio. Just
imagine what the future holds…

The freedom to ride. Creating a high performance yet light
frame, shouldn’t interfere with reliability, precision, comfort
and especially fun. These are the objectives that guide our
engineers, who also use feedback from our team riders and
other riders just like you. From our hardtail Pro Race models,
now also available in a 29 version, to the legendary X-Control
100mm, these Lapierre mountain bikes will seduce competitive
racers and weekend riders alike.

The purists will still find what they’re looking for at
Lapierre. To the delight of many riders and racers, we
feel that the difference is in the details, especially when
it comes to our hardtail models. The criteria never
change: as light as possible, stiff, and responsive, but
also simple and clean. Created in close collaboration
with our team XC riders, our Pro Race 26 collection
is dedicated to pure performance. An explosive and
responsive bike whose frame design optimizes lateral
stiffness and vertical flex.

For its first appearance on the race scene, our Pro
Race 29er rocketed Alexis Vuillermoz to first place at
the Off-Road Cassis in March 2011. Pauline FerrandPrevot won her category at the 1st World Cup using
the same bike. We’re convinced: on certain types of
tracks, the Pro Race 29er offers an advantage to riders.
More agile, comfortable, and stable, it still offers all the
qualities of its 26” brother but with added grip, ideal for
longer, smoother tracks.
Available in our Carbon Team Replica or Supreme 6 Alloy.

Big-wheeled hardtails have been popular in North
America for some time, and when you see the
advantages, it’s easy to understand why. But Lapierre
engineers had to carefully study how to adopt this new
trend, since it’s more complicated than slapping a pair
of 29” wheels on an existing frame. The new Pro Race
29 frame optimizes the potential benefits of a larger
wheel diameter and eliminates any inertia that would
otherwise naturally occur.

More stability: The second most important quality of
a 29er, especially in the descents. Easier to steer, it
maintains its balance better and rarely gets thrown off
course. In steep sections, the bike has less tendency to
“pivot” around the front wheel, making an Endo much
less likely! Similarly, in steep climbs, you’ll have better
traction and the front wheel will remain on the ground.

More comfortable,
more stable,
and smoother…

Increased grip: The surface that’s in contact with the
ground is different than with 26” wheels, so you have
better traction and hold, especially while cornering.
Because the tires are more resistant to punctures, you
can reduce the pressure and increase the comfort and
traction even more.

A 29” mountain bike can be an interesting alternative to
a 26” for cross country riding:

More efficient? Obviously, with larger wheels on
smoother terrain, with the same effort you go further.

More comfort: What you notice the first time you ride a
29” MTB. The larger wheels and tires are less sensitive
to the bumps and ruts you encounter on a trail, easily
negotiating obstacles. Like a bulldozer, a 29er isn’t
thrown off course by uneven terrain (rocks, bumps, ruts,
stones, roots). The wheels roll right over whatever lies
in your path.

One last advantage to 29” wheels that doesn’t concern
all riders but can be very important to some: taller riders
will feel more at ease on a bike that has components
better matched with the larger frame.

So, 26” or 29”?
It’s hard to come to a unanimous decision, and at
Lapierre we have avid defenders of both. The 29er is
a good option for riders with limited technical abilities
or for smoother trail riding. Purists, on the other hand,
will remain convinced that classic 26” wheels are
better because they are more responsive, offer better
maneuverability, and are more fun. The choice is yours.

Few mountain bikes have achieved this kind of
status. Since 2001, the X-Control, with FPS2 patented
suspension technology, has been identified with
full-suspension efficiency for cross country and longdistance trail riding. The perfect combination of
efficiency, performance and comfort, the 2012 model,
in 7005 alloy, is available in 3 different versions that
won’t leave you broke! An exceptional mountain bike
at an exceptional price. Lapierre technology and knowhow have never been more accessible.

Lapierre has always made an effort to adapt its know-how
and technology to all budgets and riders. Now, more than
ever, being able to join the select club of Lapierre riders is a
real possibility. Continuing in this spirit, the new 2012 Raid
models, which use a new DB 7005 alloy frame with a compact,
sporty geometry, all get new and improved components. For a
relaxing ride or for your first race, you’ll find the bike you need
to progress rapidly.

TECNIC
Fun for
Kids!
Kid Lite 20
Everybody has to start somewhere, so start off right on a
Lapierre bike! Available in 20 or 24 inches. Find Lapierre
know-how, reliability, and design in these bikes for younger riders. Riding will be all the more enjoyable on a bike
specifically designed for small legs with big ambitions.
The best gift of all!

A little bit of Finesse
and a lot of Performance
You’ve surely noticed, women are not made like men, and
they don’t necessarily share the same attitude and taste.
Our mountain bikes, designed specifically for women, were
created with the help of avid female riders, starting with the
women working at the Lapierre factory. The geometry has
been adapted to the female physique (shorter top tube, more
compact, smaller sizes, and a lower center of gravity), and
the components selected accordingly (from the saddle to the
cockpit). Because the difference is in the details.

The Lapierre MTB tandem has always had a special place in our
collection. Competitive riders and weekend warriors alike will
find it a trusted companion to discover the trails from another
perspective. The 2012 models, inspired by our Froggy frame,
combine a sturdy yet lightweight frame in DB 7005 alloy with
just the right amount of stiffness and exceptional dynamic
qualities. The MTB Race model gets top-quality components
and Team graphics, and is made for speed, while the Training
model was made for those looking to double their fun on the
trails.